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WEEKEND BEST BETS Martina McBride, mom and country star

By Bonnie J. Toomey, Correspondent

Updated:
09/12/2013 07:12:25 AM EDT

Martina McBride will be at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts tonight.

WORCESTER -- Martina McBride, one of the most celebrated female vocalists of country music with more than 18 million records sold, kicks off the 2013-14 season at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts tonight.

McBride won the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year four times, which ties her with Reba McEntire for the most wins in that category. The country star has three ACM Female Vocalist Awards and a Grammy win.

McBride signed with RCA Records in 1991 and according to Broadcast Data Systems and Mediabase she is the most played female country artist on the radio in the last 11 years.

The recording artist, producer, songwriter and concert entertainer is well known for favorites such as "Independence Day," "This One's for the Girls" and "A Broken Wing."

At about 9 years old, McBride started out in

Kansas as Martina Mariea Schiff in a band her father fronted called the Schiffters. In 1988, she married studio engineer John McBride and got her big break in the early '90s after opening for Garth Brooks at the Opry. Many of McBride's songs have helped to raise awareness about many causes such as breast cancer, and to shine a light on important issues such as abuse and hunger in America.

Q. You seem to be able to balance the role of county star and wife and mother with three daughters who keep you busy. What advice do you have for moms who work and travel and may experience a little bit of guilt?

A. There's always guilt! No matter what you do for a living, if you are a working mother you are going to experience guilt at some point.

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You just have to do your best and make sure your kids know how important they are to you. I think it's good for children to see you doing something that is fulfilling and makes you happy. Whether that means working outside the home or being a stay-at-home mom, if you are happy, you have more to give your kids.

Q. Many of the songs you write are inspired from your own experience as a mom -- it seems your beautiful ballads are themes touching on all kinds of issues: breast cancer awareness, family dysfunction, child and spousal abuse, and hunger in this country. Why are these themes important both to you as a performing artist and to the larger public?

A. Believe it or not, I don't set out to find songs about issues! They just find me! I think I'm drawn to the powerful lyric in those songs and the emotion that I get to deliver it with. I also like knowing that there is someone out there who feels like I'm singing the song for them so that maybe they don't feel so alone.

Q. You were lucky enough to have a husband in the business and to have been given a shot by Garth Brooks as long as you got a record contract to open for his concert. What is your advice for upcoming young musicians?

A. My advice is to never give up. To work on your craft, whether it be singing or writing or playing an instrument. And to be true to yourself. All these things are easier said than done sometimes, but they are good rules to live by.

Jim Avett: Guitarist, vocalist, released his first album on Ramseur Records in 2008, "Jim Avett and Family," a beautiful collection of gospel songs recorded with his daughter and sons, opening with Jay Psaros,Thursday, 8 p.m., Bull Run Restaurant, Shirley, www.tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com.

"Skin Flick": Directed by Norm Foster and Kevin Nesman, presented by Acme Theater Productions "Daphne and Rollie Waters are in financial trouble. Daphne is out-of-work, and Rollie is about to be laid off. With a son in college and few job prospects, they stumble upon the idea of filming an adult movie to make ends meet." Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., 61 Summer St., Maynard, http://www.acmetheater.com/1314Season.asp

Louisa May Alcott and Her Family: (1832-1888) is best known for her "Little Women" series, but she also wrote journalism, gothic novels and a memoir during a long writing career. This class will follow the path of her life, and students will read aloud (and at home), work by Louisa as well as friends and family members. Did you know her first crush was Henry David Thoreau? Learn more about this fascinating and brilliant writer, the first daughter of Concord, Monday, 12:15 to 1:45, registration required, http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/community-outreach/alfa/. Large Meeting Room, Leominster Library.

Preschool Story Time: Stories, music and motion, ages 3 to 5; Tuesday, 10-10:30 a.m. Leominster Public Library, call 978-534-7522 for more information.

Also at Leominster Library:

* Girl's Book Discussion Group: Girls ages 10-13 are welcome to come to the Amazing Girls Book Discussion Group, September book will be Rules by Cynthia Lord, stop by the Martin T. Feldman Children's Room to borrow a copy of the book, call 978-534-7522 ext. 124 if you have any questions.

* Just for Twos Story Time: Stories, music, and fun; Wednesday, 10-10:30 a.m.

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